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Thursday, 27 February 2025
Wednesday, 26 February 2025
Brunei: Shivaratri Puja - Wednesday, 26th February 2025, 1130 – 1230 hrs @ BFB Temple
BFB TEMPLE SERVICE (SHIVARATRI PUJA) – 26 FEB 25
Issue. As per the Brigade of Gurkhas Religious Festivals FOE 2024/25, the SHIVARATRI Puja falls on Wed 26 Feb 2025.
2ICs / CSMs to encourage all available SPs to attend the service.
Timing. 1130 – 1230 hrs. Please be seated by 1125 hrs.
Dress: Working / Comfortable attire for families.
Sequence of events:
· Mediation
· Puja
· Bhajan
· Prabachan
· Arati, Phool, Prasad & Tika (Blessings)
Background. According to sacred scriptures, the ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the SHIVARATRI festival falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in February or March every year. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most. Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of SHIVARATRI with care and devotion. They observe day and night fast and give a sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. It is believed that the worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.
Dress: Working / Comfortable attire for families.
Sequence of events:
· Mediation
· Puja
· Bhajan
· Prabachan
· Arati, Phool, Prasad & Tika (Blessings)
Background. According to sacred scriptures, the ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the SHIVARATRI festival falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in February or March every year. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most. Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of SHIVARATRI with care and devotion. They observe day and night fast and give a sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. It is believed that the worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.
Give Us Time: respite breaks for military families - 2025 dates are live!
Applications open for the Service Pupil Support Programme
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Service Leavers' Guide - latest edition
The updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on Gov.UK.
Please click here to read this edition online.
Monday, 24 February 2025
Brunei: Brunei Overseas Allowance Feedback
BRUNEI OVERSEAS ALLOWANCE FEEDBACK
1. Info. This feedback is an opportunity to portray our views and submit feedback on the recent changes to Brunei Overseas allowances in order to provide a general view and its impact from everyone within British Forces Brunei. All the collated information will be analysed and forwarded to the higher chain (Bde/Div) for their necessary onward action.
2. Action. Please scan the QR code above or click here and complete the questionnaire with the utmost integrity.
3. Time. Please complete by 26 Feb 25.
Any further info or question are to direct to RAO dept 1RGR and UWC.
Brunei: Yoga and Meditation with Pandit Ji - *Next Session* Tuesday, 25th February 2025, 0930 - 1045 hrs @ CCCC Main Hall
Please click the image to enlarge.
Friday, 21 February 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications
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The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.
The Trust is delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need, including housing.
Current findings from the RVH programme
Following on from the initial awards made in July 2023, the Trust commissioned Alma Economics to consult with key stakeholders in the housing sector, including those awarded funds in the first round. Key recommendations from this consultation include:
- A need for increased support for veterans with acute, complex or multiple support needs.
- Promoting a needs-based approach to support provision.
- Addressing bottlenecks across the lifecycle of support provision.
- A focus on partnership working.
Both the RVH interim programme evaluation report and the summary of consultation findings are available to read on the Trust’s website.
Further funding available
Under this new round of the RVH programme, charities, local authorities and registered social housing providers can apply for up to £300,000 towards a project delivered for up to nine months.
There is also an opportunity for organisations to apply for an enhanced award of up to a further £200,000 where that work will fill a significant level of unmet need.
What applicants will need to show
Projects should improve the capacity of services in supported housing to better help veterans with a range of different needs. Full details of the programme priorities are mapped out in a Programme Guidance document available on the Trust’s website.
Op Fortitude
Funded projects will need to work with Op Fortitude, a UK wide referral pathway supporting homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness, into housing.
Find out more
Want to know more about applying to the RVH programme? Full details are available at: www.covenantfund.org.uk
Application deadline is noon, 31 March 2025.
Brunei: BN Post Room Updates
BN POST ROOM UPDATES
The BN Post Room located in Tuker Lines will release new parcels and letters on Wednesday 26 February 2025 from 10:30hrs to 12:00hrs. Because the Post Office, Chit Chat Community Centre will be closed on Monday 24 February 2025 in conjunction of 41st Brunei National Day (In Lieu).
Brunei: BFB Ladies Night Programme - *Today* Friday, 21st February 2025, 1700 - 2359 @ CCCC
Please click the image to enlarge.
BFB Ladies Night
For the Zodiac Theme, you could consider incorporating colours associated with your zodiac sign, wearing relevant jewellery, or using face paint that symbolizes your sign.
Please do your best to match the Zodiac Theme, as there will be prizes for the Best Dressed and Raffle Draw as well!
Tickets.
All attendees will have to contribute towards the drinks.
Thursday, 20 February 2025
X-Forces: Self Employment Discovery 3-Day Online Course for Mil Spouses & Partners
Please click the image to enlarge.
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Brunei: Closure of RAO ADMIN OFFICE – Thursday, 20th February 2025
CLOSURE OF RAO ADMIN OFFICE – THURSDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2025
The RAO Admin Office will be Closed on Thursday, 20th February 2025 due to co-ordination planning for G1A inspection.
The office will be resume on Friday, 21st February 2025.
Brunei: Operation Neptune - Tide and Weather Forecast for 19 - 25 February 2025
Note:
1. This is a routine update of weather forecast for “OP NEPTUNE”. Any possible adverse weather report will be updated in CRO and to the Combined Duty Officer of the day.
2. For more detailed weather forecasts please visit the website.
Women into Employment 2025: Tues 18 March in London. Event for women from across the military community
Do you know a woman in the military community contemplating her next career choice? Are you at a crossroads and not sure where to turn next? Join us at this year’s Women into Employment (WIE25) event in London on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
The full day will focus on how you bring the real YOU to the workplace. With an agenda packed with key points and ideas, you are guaranteed to take away some key points and ideas for the next steps in your career path. Register here for the event.
Women into Employment 2025 (WIE25) is the Forces Employment Charity’s flagship event and offers support to women from across the whole Armed Forces community, welcoming those of you preparing to leave the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans of all ranks, military partners, spouses and young people.
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Are you a family member of a Veteran who is suffering with addiction?
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Places are limited and will go fast so to find out more or book your place email: events@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk
Funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
Service Police Confidential Crime Line, available 24/7 - You are not alone
Monday, 17 February 2025
Brunei: BFSWS - Understanding Your Child's Behaviour Course - Starting from 18th February – 07th March 2025. Every Tuesday & Friday, 0830 - 1030 AM @ BFSWS Office, CCCC
Please click the image to enlarge.
For any queries, please contact
Rachana Niraula at 322 4101 Ext 3285 /
email at Rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com
Or Anita Collins at Ext 3371/
Forces Employment Charity: Job Vacancy – Families Employment Advisor, Colchester/SE England
Forces Employment Charity is seeking a dedicated employment advisor. As part of a national team, you will provide employment and training advice and guidance to a remote caseload of spouses and partners of still serving Armed Forces and ex-service personnel (Veterans) in the UK and overseas with personal development and/or until they are settled in sustainable careers.
Reporting to the National Employment Projects Manager. This position is full-time, 35 hours per week with a salary of £29,000 per annum. This role is Home-based (with community outreach) in the Colchester region with community outreach throughout the region (Southeast, East of England, London).
The closing date for applications is midnight on 21 Feb.
To find out more and to apply for this role, please click HERE
Friday, 14 February 2025
Brunei: National Insurance Credits For Partners Of Armed Forces Personnel Overseas
What is National Insurance Credits?
If you’re not in paid employment, you might be able to qualify for National Insurance Credits. The National Insurance Credits that you receive will work to fill in the gaps in your National Insurance record and enable you to continue to receive certain benefits like Job seeker's Allowance and the State Pension.
There are two types of National Insurance Credits available: Class 1 and Class 3
Why apply for National Insurance Credits?
As a married or civil partner of a member of the armed forces, accompanying them to an overseas posting after 6th April 2010, and returning to the UK you might be eligible to get National Insurance Credits.
Apply if you're the spouse or civil partner of armed service personnel and have been with them on a posting outside the UK you can claim NI Credits.
Credits can help to fill gaps in your National Insurance record, for example if you were not in work when you were with your partner on an overseas posting. Credits can make sure you qualify for certain benefits including the State Pension.
Please click here for further information
How to apply?
You will be required to fill in the form provided and sent it to HM Revenue & Customs. Please click HERE for the form.
To find out more about National Insurance Credits and how to apply for it please visit the website HERE.
The NI Credits application form can be obtained from the HIVE and the SSO Office.
Details
Print and complete the form MODCA1 (using capital letters) to apply for Class 1 National Insurance credits if you’re the spouse or civil partner of armed service personnel and have been on an accompanied assignment outside the UK.
The Third Page of the form needs to be completed by the Unit Welfare Officer.
When to complete this form
You should not apply for National Insurance Credits more than four months before the confirmed end date of your accompanied assignment outside the UK and no later than the end of the tax year after the end of the assignment.
Click here for MODCA1 form.
Child Benefit Information
You are entitled to Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training).
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child.
You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.
You may have to pay a tax charge if your or your partner’s individual income is over £50,000.
You can choose not to get Child Benefit payments, but you should still fill in the claim form because:
- it will help you get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension
- it will ensure your child is registered to get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old
Forces Families Jobs - Employment, Training & Career Support
The site will also offer free, or discounted training for Service families. With over 200 employers already signed up for FFJ, this project that will aid spousal employment.
Please click HERE to access to further information or scan the QR Code above.
Forces Families Jobs is the go-to place for training, employment and volunteer roles for family members of currently serving UK military personnel.
Apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are Forces family friendly.
You can use this website with confidence, knowing that employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces.
This is your gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading your existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.
To find out more about Training & Career support from Forces Families Jobs CLICK HERE
Apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are Forces family friendly.
You can use this website with confidence, knowing that employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces.
This is your gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading your existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.
To find out more about Training & Career support from Forces Families Jobs CLICK HERE
Thursday, 13 February 2025
Brunei: Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices
Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices
MS Form for the “Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices” on the CRO, as per JSP 440 guidelines.
A few key points to note:
A few key points to note:
- SPs holding Official PED are no longer required to complete a hard copy form. Instead, they must complete the electronic version via the MS Form link provided before traveling.
- Once submitted, both the Requester and Authoriser will automatically receive notifications with all relevant details.
- This process will be monitored, and if there are any incorrect details, the individual will be notified.
Family Lives Newsletter - June 2025
People contact Family Lives about stages of a child's development, issues with schools, and parenting/relationship support. Family Lives also respond when life becomes more complicated and provide support around family breakdown, aggression in the home, bullying, teenage risky behaviour and mental health concerns of both parents and their children.
You can talk to Family Lives over the phone, via email or online from your phone, tablet or laptop. This service is free and confidential.
https://www.familylives.org.uk
To read more about Family Lives Newsletter on their website, Click Here.
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
National Apprenticeship Week 2025: 10 – 16 Feb 2025
A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
For more information, including events taking place, please go to: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025
Toolkits available are available at: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025
Introducing MyCadet
MyCadet is a digital app specifically designed for parents and guardians of the Army Cadet Force, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with your cadet’s progress.
Find out more by visiting: https://armycadets.com/mycadet/
NHS Step into Health webinar – 26 Mar: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad
During this one-hour webinar, attendees will hear from representatives of various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions, as well as members of NHS England’s return to practice team.
The Step into Health team, in collaboration with their key speakers, has developed a comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet. During the session, speakers will elaborate on relevant sections, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
The objectives of the session are:
1. Provide a clear overview of the steps involved in returning to practice for spouses and partners posted abroad with serving personnel.
2. Offer detailed information from various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions to ensure participants are aware of the requirements and standards.
3. Highlight the resources and support available from NHS England’s return to practice team.
4. Introduce the comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet developed by the Step into Health, explaining its relevance and how to use it effectively.
5. Facilitate an interactive question and answer session where participants can seek clarification and additional information from the experts.
To find out more and to register for a place please visit the SiTH events web page.
To find out more and to register for a place please visit the SiTH events web page.
England: Sexual Assault Referral Centres
There are 48 SARCs across England, which provide help 24 hours, seven days a week. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.
To find out more about help after sexual assault and abuse, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
Brunei: BFB UK Spouse Visa and Child Naturalisation Issue - Reporting Tool
BFB UK SPOUSE VISA AND CHILD NATURALISATION ISSUE - REPORTING TOOL
1. Individuals who have recently applied for a UK Spouse Visa or Child Naturalisation are to complete the questionnaire by scanning the QR code below or by clicking this LINK. The aim of this toolkit is to help service personnel and families to fast track the application where possible.
2. If you have any questions or required further information on the UK Visa/Child naturalisation process, please email - 1RGR-RAO-CENTRAL-ADMINHUB@mod.gov.uk.
Brunei: Visa Application Guide - Leave to Enter & Indefinite Leave to Enter - Procedures and Requirements
Please click the image to enlarge.
Slide 1 - Leave to Enter – Procedures and requirements. Link.Slide 2 - Indefinite Leave to Enter – Procedures and requirements. Link.
PoC – WO2 Diwash Rai, RAWO 1RGR
Email: Diwash.rai141@mod.gov.uk
Brunei: RBA Flight Schedule - From now until 25th October 2025
Of note, all London bound flights will fly via Dubai (no direct flights after 26th March 2023)
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New funding to support bereaved military families
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The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new funding opportunity for charities supporting bereaved military families.
British Gas Apprenticeship Week Open Days
To mark Apprenticeship week, British Gas are hosting a series of open days at our engineering academies this week:
Hamilton Academy Open Day:
AM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109269818889?aff=oddtdtcreator
PM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109275084639?aff=oddtdtcreator
Dartford Academy Open Day:
AM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109282757589?aff=oddtdtcreator
PM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1203385762209?aff=oddtdtcreator
Apprenticeship Information Webinar: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1116398420729?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thatcham Academy Open Day:
AM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109045638359?aff=oddtdtcreator
PM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1106976940829?aff=oddtdtcreator
Leicester Academy Open Day:
AM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109317952859?aff=oddtdtcreator
PM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1111326089249?aff=oddtdtcreator
Monday, 10 February 2025
Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas Launches
WRAPAROUND CHILDCARE (WAC) OVERSEAS LAUNCHES
If you use Defence Children Services (DCS) childcare provision overseas, you may be eligible to claim WAC from January 2025.
The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time (39 weeks), to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if receiving Government disability allowances) who are in full time education in school or being home educated. Over 7,000 Service children's before and after school childcare is currently being funded by WAC.
WAC Overseas mirrors the WAC scheme in the UK, it is a reimbursement from Defence to Service personnel of up to 80% of the costs of before and after school childcare. Capped hourly rates apply and can be found in 2022DIN01-079-Defence Wraparound Childcare Allowance. The remaining 20% is claimed from HMRC via an active Tax-Free Childcare account. WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.
What do families need to do to register to claim WAC funding?
- Make sure each child, that funding will be claimed for, has an active Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account (active means that you reconfirm your account with HMRC every 3 months and receive the 20% top up from HMRC when you add money into the TFC account).
- Check children have been recorded and verified on JPA; children are verified on JPA when there is a ‘yes’ in the certificate verified box.
- Register using this Form. Once you have submitted your registration form, wait until you receive a WAC Overseas eligibility confirmation email including reference number and entitlement start date before submitting a claim.
- Please note this is a temporary registration and claims process that will be in place until at least April 2025, before it is moved within JPA.
- If you registered your child(ren) for WAC UK within JPA and have since been assigned to a location included in WAC Overseas and are accompanied by your family, you will need to register again using the WAC Overseas process.
- Once you have submitted a registration and received your WAC Overseas eligibility confirmation email, you can submit WAC Overseas claims for childcare used from the date shown on the registration confirmation email.
- For guidance on how to submit a WAC Overseas claim please see the step-by-step guides on the WAC Overseas area of the Defence Childcare Information Page on Defnet or Defence Connect.
- When using DCS provision, the provider must have been paid via an active TFC account before the claim is submitted.
The WAC Overseas capped hourly rates are set to the average for providers in England and by provider type. The capped hourly rates change at the start of each UK autumn term, these may go up or down and may affect the amount of funding you can claim.
- Check the rates which are listed in 2022DIN01-079 – Defence Wraparound Childcare Allowance on Defnet or Defence Connect to find out the amount of funding you can claim.
- The WAC benefits calculator on the WAC Discover My Benefits Army, RAF, Navy pages enables families to check how much they may be able to claim before deciding if they want to register for WAC Overseas.
Friday, 7 February 2025
Brunei: Study UK Fair 2025 - 10th February 2025, 1400 – 1900 hrs @ The Empire Brunei Indera Kayangan Ballroom.
STUDY UK FAIR 2025
1. EVENT – Study UK Fair 2025. “Discover your further education pathway towards Great British undergraduate, postgraduate, & phD study”
2. DATE & TIME – 10 February 2025. 1400 – 1900 hrs.
3. VENUE – The Empire Brunei Indera Kayangan Ballroom.
4. ORGANISER – British High Commission in BAB & British Council.
Childcare Works project starting on 25th February 2025
Please click the image to enlarge.
Wales Childcare Works project - NDNA Cymru
Childcare Works project overview
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting the submariner community
The Trust commissioned the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to undertake further research following an event they attended in April 2024, hosted by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich Hospital.
Over two days, they heard from the Armed Forces community located in Helensburgh, Scotland, to understand more about the support available for Naval personnel and their families; and identify any gaps and opportunities.
Listening to the submariner community
The research highlighted that personnel and families can suffer poor mental health and emotional strain due to unpredictability, frustration, separation and feeling unprepared for deployment. This can also include a period of pre-deployment anxiety as well as the deployment period itself. Reintegration following deployment can also be a challenge as routines are disrupted. An enduring stigma around mental health can deter some from seeking the help they need.
This wasn’t limited to immediate family members, with extended family not feeling included in the support networks available.
Availability and accessibility of services was raised. Families reported a low awareness of support available and there was some hesitancy in accessing statutory services affiliated with the Royal Navy, in case of impact on the submariner’s career. There were added issues for those living in remoter areas, further from the base, with fewer activities and services available.
For the organisations themselves, the research found that collaboration could be better. Especially between military and non-military organisations, where there can be a lack of integration for military families into services designed for civilians.
Other issues included impact on the spouse’s career. However, those who took part in the research talked about the importance of coping strategies such as focusing on work, staying busy and maintaining routines.
Recommendations from the research included:
· Tailored mental health support
· Improved communication and practical advice for managing deployment challenges
· Fostering community connections and encouraging peer support initiatives
· Help with adjusting post-deployment, and the complexities of being away for a long time
· Initiatives that enhance career development for spouses.
Anna Wright, Chief Executive of the Trust said: “Lots of work on these recommendations is already underway under our three-year Covenant Fund framework. Our Hidden Needs programme focuses on tailored and specialist mental health support, while our Apart not Alone programme centres on reducing the impact of long or frequent separation for military families. However, until now, we have not focused this support on any particular service or location. This important research has informed what will come next and we are excited to share more about that very soon.”
Dr Jasna Magić, Research Director, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen): “This research has given submariners’ families a vital voice, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges they face due to long separations, uncertainty, and stigma around seeking support. By truly listening, we can shape support that genuinely meets their needs. We’re proud to have worked with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust on this important project and hope these findings drive lasting change for the submariner community.”
Putting findings into action
The Trust in encouraging anyone in a position to support this community to read the research findings and consider how they too can make a difference.
You can read the report in full on the Trust’s website: www.covenantfund.org.uk
Soldiering On Awards 2025: Nominations Open Until 30th March 2025
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